All in-person events scheduled through June 2020 have been cancelled, including Reunion Weekend and Golden Reunion. You can find out more information on UB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic by visiting our dashboard.

Distinguished Alumni Award: Graduate School of Education

JOHN MCKENNA, EdD '08McKenna, a recipient of numerous awards as well as a distinguished speaker on educational issues, is assistant superintendent in the Williamsville Central School District.

John McKenna, EdD ’08, assistant superintendent in the Williamsville Central School District since 2017, is known and respected for his innovative ideas, dedication to education and his passion to ensure that students receive the best possible educational experiences. He previously served as a principal in the Tonawanda City School District for 22 years. McKenna’s commitment to education has resulted in numerous awards and honors at the regional, state and national level. He is a published author and distinguished speaker who has presented throughout the United States as well as internationally. He has held multiple prestigious leadership positions such as the President of Phi Delta Kappa, The Committee for Identifying and Developing Educational Leadership and the School Administrators Association of New York State. He regularly gives back to the university by engaging in a variety of ways, including serving on the board of the UB Alumni Association and as president of the Graduate School of Education Alumni Association.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

These awards are given in recognition of exceptional career accomplishments, community or university service, and research and scholarly activity.

Our Place. Our Way. Our Future.

For 170 years, the University at Buffalo has made life better in Western New York and around the world with bold action and an unmatched tenacity. Boldly Buffalo: The Campaign for UB is the largest, most ambitious fundraising campaign in university history—a campaign that will transform UB in nearly every way imaginable.